The pressure is mounting on Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as the Premier League champions are yet to make a mark in the league so far, and a favourable result against Everton at the Goodison Park today can be deemed as a start to the turnaround in their fortunes.
The Blues from London have won just once in their four Premier League games this season, and they come to the game against the Toffees today at the backdrop of a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace last month at home, prior to the international break.
And the poor start to the season for Mourinho's side has only inspired gossip mongers to speculate the future of the former Real Madrid manager at Stamford Bridge.
"Let's be objective. I don't want to leave the club, in any circumstances,'' ESPN FC quoted the Portuguese coach as saying. "And the club doesn't want me to leave. I'm not going to walk away. The club is not going to sack me.
"Chelsea fans know me for good and for bad and that's not my profile, to run away from problems, in this case to run away from bad results. We have one problem: We are not getting the results we always expect to get. That's our problem."
The absence of Chelsea No 1 Thibaut Courtois for atleast three months will be another huge blow for the champions. The Belgian damaged the ligaments in his right knee during a training session on Wednesday, and will be replaced by Asmir Begovic in the starting line-up.
The former Stoke City custodian already featured once in the season so far, against Manchester City, and had to concede three goals in the game.
"It is a big blow, it is not easy to have the best goalkeeper in the world injured," said the Chelsea boss. "I'm very sad for Thibaut and the team but we have a top keeper and Begovic will be in goal."
Everton, meanwhile, are just a point ahead of Chelsea in the league so far, and have also won just once in the league this season. Club manager Roberto Martinez has stressed on the fact that facing Mourinho's side will be a big test for the home team today, but he is keen on taking the challenge.
"Facing Chelsea is going to be a really good challenge," the Spaniard said. "We knew the start of the season was going to be very tough, with really difficult opponents in the first 10 fixtures.
"I felt that Chelsea were by far the best team in the division last season, so it's a great test for us to have that focus and concentration - and we know Goodison Park will be ready for a big occasion."
League Standings
Chelsea - 13th with four points
Everton - 9th with five points
Injury News
Everton will miss the services of Tom Cleverley, Leighton Baines, Tony Hibbert, and Steven Pienaar today, who are all out injured.
For Chelsea, apart from Courtois, Oscar is also in the sidelines owing to injuries. Brazil midfielder Ramires is also doubtlful
Where to Watch Live
Get the Goals and Highlights of the Match HERE
Everton vs Chelsea is scheduled for a 12:45 pm BST (5:15 pm IST, 7:45 am ET) kick-off.
Indian audience can catch the game on Star Sports 4/Star Sports HD 4, with the option of live streaming on Hotstar and Starsports.com.
Audience in the UK can catch the match on BT Sports 1, and stream it Live on BT Sports Online.
Audience in the US can catch all the action live on NBC Sports, while the game can also be live streamed on NBC Live Extra. Spanish viewers in the United States can watch the match on NBC Universo.
